Critics call for Manchester City to be 'erased from the face of the earth' over alleged FFP breach

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with critics who he feels want the club to be completely erased from existence due to the ongoing allegations of financial misconduct. Guardiola, who has overseen City's dominance in English football since 2016, understands the severity of the potential consequences, including a significant points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. City currently faces 115 charges relating to financial regulations, and Guardiola remains determined to defend the club's reputation amidst the scrutiny.

A long-awaited hearing into charges brought by the Premier League in February 2023 finally began at the start of the week.

Guardiola has claimed previously that some of the club's rivals hope to see them found guilty and he appears in no doubt they would expect punishment to be severe.

He brought up the matter unprompted ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium while talking about the tendency of people to overly criticise isolated bad performances.

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"During a season, you can say, 'Oh, it was a bad season'," said Guardiola. "But for performances, some people say, 'Oh, it's a disgrace, it is a disaster, it's unacceptable'. No, during 90 minutes it's one bad afternoon when they were better.

"But I would say - I'm sorry, I want to defend my club, especially in these modern days when everyone is expecting us not to be relegated, to be disappeared off the face of the Earth, the world - that we have better afternoons than the opponents. That's why we win a lot."

City faces 80 breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018, plus a further 35 of failing to cooperate with a Premier League investigation.

The club is accused of failing to provide accurate financial information, including revenue from sponsors and salary details of managers and players.

However, City have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

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